“Islamization” or an Expression of National Identity?

 “Islamization” or an Expression of National Identity?

Unnecessary Controversy Over the Bangladesh Army’s New Battalion

Recently, the Bangladesh Army named the four companies of a newly formed battalion after the four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa al-Rashidun): Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA), and Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).

Following this announcement, individuals such as Dr. Aijuddin and media outlets including North East News attempted to portray the move as a sign of the “Islamization” of the Bangladesh Army. But is that really the case?

### A Matter of Historical Continuity

This is not without precedent. The Bangladesh Army has long named companies and units after the nation's highest war heroes—the Bir Sreshthas—who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 Liberation War. Units have previously been named in honor of Bir Sreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, Bir Sreshtha Sepoy Hamidur Rahman, Bir Sreshtha Sepoy Mostafa Kamal, and other national heroes.

Naming companies after the Rightly Guided Caliphs can be viewed as part of that same tradition of honoring inspirational historical figures. In a Muslim-majority country, recognizing prominent personalities from Islamic history alongside national heroes is neither unusual nor unprecedented.

It is also worth noting that, during the Awami League government, Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport was named after Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), while Chattogram’s airport bears the name of Hazrat Shah Amanat (RA). These decisions were never widely described as evidence of “Islamization.” Why, then, should the naming of Army companies after the Rightly Guided Caliphs suddenly become controversial?

In my view, another name could also be considered for future military units: Hazrat Khalid ibn Al-Walid (RA). Known as Saifullah (“The Sword of Allah”), he is widely regarded as one of history’s greatest military commanders. His victories against the Roman and Persian empires continue to be studied in military history. A company or battalion named after him could serve as a source of inspiration for soldiers.

### The Real Question

Those who oppose this naming decision should clarify what alternative they propose.

Would they prefer military companies to be named after characters from the Ramayana or Mahabharata, or figures such as Narayan or Ramchandra instead?

The Constitution of Bangladesh recognizes Islam as the state religion, and more than 90 percent of the country's population is Muslim. Reflecting Islamic heritage and values in various aspects of public life—including the armed forces and educational institutions—is therefore not inherently an offense, but can be understood as an expression of the country's national identity.

The Bangladesh Army was founded on the spirit of the Liberation War. National pride and religious inspiration are not necessarily mutually exclusive; they can coexist without contradiction.

Those attempting to frame this naming decision as a problem appear to take issue not merely with the names themselves, but with the religious and cultural identity of the country's Muslim majority.

The Bangladesh Army should remain strong, professional, and trusted by the people. Initiatives that are intended to inspire morale and reflect national heritage deserve thoughtful consideration rather than unnecessary controversy.